The United States is currently grappling with a surge in dengue fever, a potentially lethal virus transmitted by mosquito bites.
With temperatures across the nation on the rise, health officials are raising the alarm, cautioning Americans to take necessary precautions against mosquito bites, which could prove fatal within a week.
According to the Daily Mail, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an unusually high number of dengue fever cases this year, with a staggering 10,000 more cases than the total recorded in 2023. The virus has claimed over 5,300 lives globally, with the majority of fatalities occurring in popular tourist destinations such as Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica. However, the CDC has also noted a concerning increase in domestically acquired cases.
Last week, the CDC revealed that many of the infections, which have been detected in 38 states, are linked to travelers returning from countries where the disease is rampant. Nevertheless, at least eight local cases have been identified. Florida, for instance, has reported approximately 200 cases, including at least six locally transmitted ones involving individuals who have not recently traveled. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is currently in the throes of an outbreak, with around 1,500 infections recorded since an emergency was declared in March. Massachusetts and New York are also witnessing a surge in cases, with 50 and 134 cases respectively.
Dengue fever is not a communicable disease; it is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, which introduce the virus into the human bloodstream. For a local transmission to occur, the mosquito population in the area must have contracted the virus, typically by biting an infected person who recently returned from abroad. Alternatively, infected mosquitoes could have migrated into the area or arrived via boats or airplanes.
While testing is available to confirm a dengue fever diagnosis, there is no known cure. Doctors can only provide supportive care, prescribing medications to manage symptoms. Approximately one in four people infected with dengue fever will exhibit symptoms, which include eye pain, muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Symptoms usually manifest two weeks post-infection and can persist for two to seven days.
In the U.S., a dengue vaccine is recommended for children aged nine to 16 who have previously contracted the disease and reside in areas where dengue is prevalent. If a patient's condition deteriorates into severe dengue fever, it is deemed a medical emergency necessitating hospitalization. Severe cases can result in uncontrolled bleeding, dangerously low blood pressure, organ failure, and death, warns the CDC. Approximately one in 20 people infected with the virus will develop severe dengue, characterized by additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting blood or bloody stools, and extreme fatigue or restlessness.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that without proper treatment, fatality rates of severe dengue could exceed 20 percent, particularly among vulnerable populations like children. Of the dengue cases recorded in the U.S. this year, 745 have been in travelersthose who tested positive after recently returning from abroadwhich was 'higher-than-expected' for this time of year.
Dengue fever is endemic in many countries worldwide, with South America, Asia, and Africa reporting a higher number of cases. The CDC has not disclosed the countries from which people are returning, but Brazil has reported the largest outbreak this year, with 7.8 million suspected dengue cases. Large outbreaks have also been recorded in Argentina and Paraguay, with 505,000 and 282,000 cases respectively, and other cases reported across 90 countries on six continents.
Experts attribute the global rise in dengue to warming temperatures, increasingly severe storms causing extensive rainfall and flooding, and increased international travel. Dr. Marty Makary, a doctor at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, advises people to take measures to reduce exposure and risk of mosquito bites. This includes wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants or clothing treated with insecticides, using mosquito control measures inside and outside the home, and applying bug spray. Mosquito populations thrive in standing water, so it is crucial to prevent and control any areas that could serve as breeding grounds for these insects.
Dr. Makary emphasizes the importance of mosquito protection, particularly in southern states where temperatures are warmer. He states, 'It is spread by mosquitos and that's a good reminder to try to do what you can to reduce mosquito bites especially in the southern United States where this is more common.'
The dengue surge coincides with concerns over two other mosquito-borne illnesses: malaria and West Nile virus. The Florida Department of Health issued a 'mosquito-borne illnesses advisory last week' following the diagnosis of four locally acquired malaria cases in an area along the state's western coast. All individuals have since recovered. Like dengue, malaria is often contracted abroad, with the U.S. reporting approximately 2,000 cases annually.
Health experts are also cautioning against West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S., with an average of 2,200 cases per year. About 20 percent of those infected will exhibit symptoms, which include a fever and flu-like illness. Less than one percent will progress to a severe infection of West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which can be deadly. As the nation battles these multiple health threats, the importance of preventive measures cannot be overstated.
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